The 7th edition of the Nigerian Indigenous Language Programme (NILP) organised by National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Lagos Liaison office, came to a close at Maryland Primary School, Mende, Lagos, on Thursday, 29th August, 2013, with commendations from participants.
The one-month intensive programme that featured Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and Urhobo, had in attendance men of the Nigerian Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), National Gallery of Art (NGA), and other language enthusiasts, who were happy to be a part of the well-packaged programme.
Reminiscing on her experience, Mrs. Comfort Adie, a staff of National Gallery of Art (NGA), Lagos, who has been learning Hausa, said the programme had been wonderful and that she had learnt a lot, disclosing that she can now communicate in Hausa, when buying food stuffs in the market.
While expressing her gratitude, Mrs. Ekejiuba Chibuzor of NSCDC, who spoke on behalf of the Yoruba Class, was highly elated to be part of the programme, confessing that she did not really know the relevance of the programme to her job until she registered, reiterating the fact that understanding another language other than hers will boost her job performance as a security personnel.
Also speaking, Mr. Uzochukwu Joe-Nkemuke, the representative of the Igbo class, said he was very happy to be a part of the programme, and commended the Institute for packaging such a programme, informing that the Igbo teacher made learning so easy through the use of drama.
In his remark, the Director of NICO Lagos Liaison Office, Mr. Louis Eriomala, commended participants for their active involvement, and the resource persons for their commitment in teaching the various indigenous languages.
He specially commended and recognised students, who have participated more than twice for the continuity and consistency, saying that it will go a long way in helping them in the mastery of the languages learnt so far.
Eriomala, however, advised them to always interact with their teachers and always speak the languages being studied for improved proficiency, informing that management was considering making the programme free to enhance participation and that the Weekend Language Programme will commence once modalities have been put in place.
Some participants had earlier urged the Institute to improve on its publicity of the programme, especially through social media and also make the programme free for the public, just as the resource persons commended the students for their active participation and cooperation despite the short duration of the programme.
Miriam Nkemdilim Offor
Corporate Affairs
NICO Lagos Liaison Office